Much to our surprise, believers in persecution did not ask us to prayer that their persecution would cease. Instead, they begged us to pray that they would be obedient through their suffering. And that is a very different prayer… Persecuted believers discovered that the best way to deal with persecutors and to stop their persecution was to pray and witness so that their persecutors would become brothers and sisters in Christ!
How to Support Persecuted Christians
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:26-27,NIV)
Our previous article provided an introduction to Christian persecution. We now turn to some practical ways to support persecuted Christians. Before starting, we need to be mindful that God may be using Christian persecution and suffering for purposes we do not understand.
Five ways include:
1. Prayer
The best thing we can do for the persecuted is prayer for them. Our first desires on this maybe that their persecution stops. However, consider the following insights from Nik Ripken who interviewed hundreds of committed persecuted Christians:
Contact an appropriate mission organisation to obtain current prayer points.
2. Donate to projects and workers supporting the persecuted
On the Givehigher website we have several member projects supporting persecuted Christians. For example, supplying the persecuted church with resources (such as Bibles).
3. Get informed
Adopt a mission organisation that helps the persecuted. For example - The Barnabas Fund Australia (member of Missions Interlink), Open Doors, or Voice of the Martyrs. Read a recommended book on persecution.
4. Write and encouraged a persecuted Christian
Via a mission organisation you may find opportunities to write and encouraged Christians experiencing persecution. Be careful that whatever you write does not create further problems for the persecuted.
5. Raise awareness
Encourage other Christians at your church to support the persecuted. Consider inviting a missionary or mission rep to speak at your church, or play a video advocating the plight and needs of the persecuted church.
